News

Club news

Eye Glasses Recycling

The club recently shipped 1,100 pairs of glasses for recycling. These glasses have been collected at various locations in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

Congratulations to our peace poster winner

Part of the lions ethos is to develop understanding between the people of the world. As an expression of this, each year our club participates in an international contest to select the best poster created by year 5 - 7 students on a peace theme. It is a world wide competition and the overall winner wins a trip to the U.S.

On 19/11 Summi Eyee, a Blackburn Lake primary student who was successful in our club competition, won through to the state round of this international competition.

Top Quality Christmas trees for sale

Want a top quality Christmas tree? Choose from the freshest cheapest Christmas trees around and help some great community causes at the same time

Blackburn North Lions will be selling trees at Mullauna College (Springfield Road entrance) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd December and again on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th December

Grab a delicious Lions Chrismas cake while you are there.

Thanks for your support!

Our last sale raised over $3000 for Eastern Emergency, an organisation that does terrific work in our community. Thanks to all who came along and supported us by purchasing goods. As always no money was spent in administration it all went to Eastern Emergency.

Kids (and parents) get a holiday - Courtesy Blackburn North Lions

Blackburn North lions are helping with the tough job of parenting. Each year we pay for a number of children to have an adventurous and fun week at Licola in Gippsland. This year six local primary school children have been selected by their school to benefit from the program. In some cases parents with happy memories of camp have sent their children to build their own happy memories.

District news

Club Development Day - Sign Up NOW!!!

Ignite your Lions Passion!
Remember why you joined this great Lions organisation in the
first place? Would you like to share your experience and be enthused by
others sharing theirs? Come along to our Club Development Days, meet and talk with your fellow Lions and discover/rediscover what makes Lions
such a fun, joyous and satisfying community. Club Development Days are for everyone. Learn how to get the most from your Lions membership, both personally and for the good of your club. Learn how to keep your club both interesting and fun to be a part of. These sessions also provide very necessary information for all club officers. Things are constantly changing, learn from our district leaders and keep up to date.

Carnegie Lions Club 50th Charter Anniversary

The members of Carnegie Lions Club invite you to their 50th Charter Anniversary on Sunday 26 May between 3-5pm. Afternoon Tea will be served with some Club highlights and presentations, at the Murrumbeena Park Bowls Club off Gerald Street Murrumbeena
[Melways map 69 B7].
The cost is $10.00 per head and drinks will be at bar prices. Smart casual.
Please RSVP by May 22nd to either:
Deb Cox 0410 726 319 Glenys Needham 0408 105 343

Sandringham LC inducts Youth of the Year mum

Sandringham LC inducts Youth of the Year mum

Sangeeta Thaker is the mum of one of our Youth of the Year students from 2018 and we were very excited to induct her into our club this year 2019 at our Youth of the Year dinner. Sangeeta is not only a corporate lawyer but is passionate about programs for our youth and serving the local community.

Two other parents showed interest in Lions as well as students showed interest in Leos and they are being followed up. Pictured are Sangeeta’s sponsor Bev McLennan, Sangeeta and PDG Noreen Carr who performed the induction. Welcome Sangeeta!

Zone 8 and 9 Youth of the Year (YOTY)

Zone 8 and 9 Youth of the Year (YOTY)

Sandringham LC was very excited to host the YOTY Zone 8 and 9 final this year, with students from Wheeler’s Hill, Boroondara-Gardiners Creek, Moorabbin, Sandringham and Brighton Lions Clubs. All 5 students were very strong and the judges found it quite hard to make their decision. Students competing were Maeve Ford from Brighton SC, Yash Padwardhan from Melbourne HS, Alexandra Suddick from Canterbury Girls School, Ben White from Cheltenham SC and Jordan Bassilious from Mazenod College. In the end Jordan, sponsored by Wheeler’s Hill LC took out both Public Speaking Award and the Overall Zone Award. It was a great event with 50 people attending including teachers, Lions and families including grandma’s and grandpas.

Our Guest Speaker was Damon Moorfoot, President of Warrandyte Leos Club who spoke while the judges were deliberating about his journey with Leos and what fun they have. This was a great opportunity for all present to hear about our Leos Clubs.

Jordan will now compete at the District YOTY Final on 23rd March. We wish him well and there will be quite a few Lions and family there to support him. I will certainly be there as well as other members of Zone 8 and 9!

Thank you to our fantastic judges who have each judged this program for 3 years. Anne Sarros, James Sarros and Michael Alexandridis from NAB. NAB provided the winners prizes and have committed to sponsoring this program ongoing. The Lions Youth of the Year program is a fantastic opportunity for Lions Clubs to showcase and raise awareness of what Lions do. I encourage as many clubs as possible to host a YOTY competition next year. Starting in 3rd term this year to contact your local schools is the best way to go. District YOTY Chair Monica McQuatters can help you get started and I am happy to help the clubs in Zone 9 as well. To see more about Lions Youth of the Year program please check out the link here: https://lionsclubs.org.au/activities/youth/yoty/. These young people are not only Australia’s future, but Lions future also!

Communicating Lions Achievements

Communicating Lions Achievements

We all know the importance of communicating who Lions are and what Lions achieve, outside the Lions organisation. Initially, this needs to take place by each club, in each club’s area as this is where the work is done and it is of the most interest to local people. This is also where support for programs and membership is found. To assist clubs with communication:

1. Please see the ‘PR Guide for clubs’ under the ‘Club Resources’ section of the website.

2. Free $500 for Lions clubs in V5 to spend on photography!
Seize this opportunity while funds last to have one of your projects photographed by a professional. See the ‘Photography Grants Application 2018’ below.

Please contact Chester Allan should you have any questions stratchair@lionsclubs201v5.org

District Membership Trailer now available for Clubs

Our new District Membership Trailer is now available for Clubs to use at no cost at public events and activities to promote Lions awareness and local Club membership.
The trailer is 1.5m high and is suitable to place in shopping centres (subject to approval from Centre Management) for membership drives, etc.
Trailer contents include ‘Clarence the Lion’ suit, a fold-up table, chairs, membership brochures and two eye-catching retractable banners 2m high promoting Lions membership.
Enquiries and booking should be directed to Denis Carruthers, District GMT Chair, 0420 523 882 denis.carruthers1@bigpond.com

Nunawading Lions Club American Car Show!

Lions Hearing Dogs Event

On Friday 7th September from 10.30am to 12 noon Australian Hearing and Sandringham Lions Club are partnering to enable you to meet Ted with his hearing dog Earle. Hearing tests will also be available.

Hear about how Earle helps Ted with his daily life and enjoy a cuppa at Hearing Australia in Cheltenham.

Morning Tea will be provided and a gold coin donation would be appreciated, all of which will go to Lions Hearing Dogs. Please see attached detailed information. There is no need to book, but if you wish to let us know you are coming, that’s fine also.

LIONS CLUB OF FOREST HILL - Changeover Dinner Invite

On the occasion of the installation of incoming president Stuart Riley

Club Officers & two new members!

Special guest Kumar Swaminathan

1st Vice District Governor elect

To be held at the Parkview room, Ringwood Club

Cnr Oban Rd & Maroondah Hwy Ringwood

Cost $30 - (Two course meal incl Tea & Coffee) Drinks at bar Prices

Dress: Smart – Tie Optional

RSVP by 15th June to Ann Holland

annholland129@hotmail.com

Ph; 0418616854

Please inform us of any dietary requirements

Comedy Night for Very Special Kids

The Lions Club of Ashwood-Mt Waverley are holding a Comedy Night on the 8th of September with all proceeds going to Very Special Kids. Please put this in your diary and ask your friends and family to attend - it will be a fantastic night!

Licola Wilderness Village - Ukulele sessions

It is always reaffirming to remember those out there doing truly selfless work.

The Gippsland Country Music Club Inc. heads out to the Licola Wilderness Village at various times through the year to hold Ukulele sessions as part of a bigger program to give back to disadvantaged children. Many of the children are from challenging backgrounds and get to spend a week experiencing various activities in a beautiful setting. We spent and afternoon with Rod and Rhonda Owen to talk about why they give their time so freely.

Sandringham LC helped to buy Jude’s wheelchair

Sandringham LC held an afternoon for Jude Tregaskis and his family to enable them to meet the people who helped to buy Jude’s wheelchair. Those attending represented Sandringham LC, Beaumaris Rotary, Bayside Scouts and also included Murray Thompson MP, our state member. Apologies from other donors - Lindsay Champion ALF, Brighton, Moorabbin & Mordialloc-Mentone LCs. All these groups contributed to the purchase of Jude’s new wheelchair which was a great team effort.

Jude’s mum Georgie told us that like most 10 year olds, Jude loves to wrestle, party at the pool, hang out with mates, learn at school, read like a champion, play tag and idolise his older brother. When Jude's wheelchair became unsafe & too small, Lions, Rotary, Scouts & ALF understood Jude's needs and assisted with the funding of his new wheelchair $9,200 (full cost $14,225). This ensured Jude could continue to do the things all other 10 year olds do. When arriving at Bentleigh West Primary School Jude received many comments on his new wheels with his friend Connor saying "Love the upgrade Jude".

The wheelchair is fully customised to meet his needs and dependent on growth should last approximately three or so years. Jude's wheels can take him from a farm, onto the beach plus even the skate-bowl, wherever 10 year olds want to go to.

Jude was born perfectly healthy & growing beautifully. In his first year, a viral illness affected all his physical abilities. To enable Jude's participation in all aspects of life requires highly customised equipment such as a wheelchair, walker & communication systems. These supports enable his independence & with them he truly flourishes.

Jude with school friends - Jude & his mates Connor & Pip at Bentleigh West Primary School

Lions Roar with Next Gen!!!

Join the Lions Club of Lysterfield for this fantastic event - please see the attached flyer and submit your RSVP while seats last!

Sandringham Lions roar for Sandringham Hospital

Sandringham Lions roar for Sandringham Hospital

As part of Sandy Lions 50th Anniversary and Lions International 100th Anniversary, we were able to donate $32,760 to Sandy Hospital. The hospital is building a new Day Procedure centre & this money will enable them to purchase 6 patient recliner chairs for the unit. The money has been raised by our club over 2 years and a dollar for dollar grant from Australian Lions Foundation plus a small donation from the RACV made a very healthy donation.

Acting Director of Nursing Mandy Sandford said the money would be a fantastic help and thanked all our members for the wonderful support. Charter Member Bill Adams, President Roger Vial and Lion Bev McLennan were on hand to view the building site which is due for completion in July. Bill Adams (2nd from left) was also President of the Sandy Hospital Board in the early years and so he was very pleased to be able to hand over the BIG cheque.

National Flood, Fire and Cyclone Appeal - Please give

To all Lions, Leo and Lioness Clubs – Multiple District 201, Australia - Please give consideration to this Appeal

With the approval of Council Chairman Malcolm Peters, the Australian Lions Foundation Ltd has initiated a “National Appeal” in support of those affected by the recent flood waters which have inundated parts of Queensland, and the fires still burning in New South Wales and Victoria. Many homes have been lost in both the floods and fires. Cyclone Marcus has passed over Darwin, also leaving a path of destruction.

Emergency Grants are available from the Foundation for all Districts impacted as initial support and we will administer the funds received from the Appeal direct with the Districts. The Foundation has already provided $100,000 to District Q2 to assist with the relief efforts for Ingham and surrounding areas. Contact has been made with all other impacted Districts and Governors are assessing their needs.

It is sad to see so many impacted with all these events and this includes members of our Lions family. Houses lost through fire, severe damage as a result of the floods and damage through cyclone winds… it impacts the basics of our lives.

Clubs who wish to donate can follow the normal procedure and send your cheques direct to your Cabinet Treasurer who will process through to the Australian Lions Foundation. The public may also donate direct to the Foundation by using the “GiveNow link” button on the Multiple District Website and the Australian Lions Foundation Website. All public donations received over $2 are tax deductible. Please consider your support to this appeal to help those in need throughout our impacted areas.

If you require further information, please contact your State ALF Director

Charity Golf Day @ Kingston Heath!

Welcome to the running of the 42nd Lions Moorabbin Annual Charity Golf Day.
We are delighted to announce our 2017 event will be played at the prestigious Kingston Heath Golf Club on Tuesday 28 November. We will have an AM field and a PM field and the event will be singles stableford. We will have the usual activities such as NTP’s, longest drive, straightest drive, a raffle, auctions, winning prizes.

We will be assisted in the management of this year’s event by GOLFSelect. Key aspects of GOLFSelect’s involvement is the setting up of a specific website to handle player registrations and payments, and the provision of a mobile scoring system on the day showing a live leaderboard after you play each hole. You can see a sample of this scoring system by clicking here.

Funds raised at this year’s charity golf day will go toward specific Lion’s Project throughout 2018. Lions Moorabbin is proud to say that every single cent raised from our charity golf day goes back to the community.

We would like to add that this is a very special event for our Club, as it occurs in the Centenary Year of Lions International serving the community in Australia.
We look forward to receiving your entry in the event.

The Roti Night organised by the Lions of Lyndhurst – Come ‘Roti’ with us

It is our pleasure to invite everyone to attend the Roti Night organised by the Lions of Lyndhurst and District Club on 15 September 2017.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to Rainbows for the Children of Australia. The said Charity was founded in 1985 and functions as a grief support harm prevention charity that assists those facing a significant loss or painful transition in their lives. Peer-support programs facilitated by trained adults provide children and adults in emotional pain a path to process their loss whilst allowing them to build trust in another. The charity also focuses on harm prevention and addresses a variety of areas such as depression, family break-down and suicide prevention.

Do take the time to attend our event, it would be great to see you there!

Licola - Over 50's Getaway

"If we were meant to stay in one place we’d have roots rather than feet."

Over 50s Getaway!

We’ve come across an incredible opportunity at Licola! Through a grant available from the Wellington Shire council we have potential funding for up to 15 people from the Wellington Shire to come to our getaway – totally for FREE! This is a case of first in best dressed.

The getaway includes transport to and from Heyfield, all meals, activities and accommodation for the week. This years program runs from the 30th October to the 3rd November (Mon – Fri).

If all 15 participants come from one club, ideal! If a few small groups from several clubs, not an issue. We’re taking all expressions of interest. The only requirement is a commitment to the program for us to take to the council. If members of your club don’t seem overly excited, perhaps your book club, swimming club, cars club might be interested!

The phones are available right now for you to call us (03) 5148 8791 or email camping@licola.org.au.

Over 50s Getaway

For everybody outside the Wellington Shire we would love to hear from you, it’s an incredible program at a very reasonable price ($330 per person). Includes transport to and from Melbourne.

Tatura Lions hosting TatFest

Tatura Lions are running the inaugural Festival of Tatura (TatFest) at Mactier Park, Tatura. TatFest is a day of food, fun, competitions, and entertainment for all the family. It celebrates the vibrant people and community, and the produce of Tatura.

There will be Zorb balls, face painting, pirate ship jumping castle, sumo wrestling, abseiling, petting zoo, train rides, a model train demonstration, and fairy floss for the young and young at heart. Hit the target with a giant water pistol with the CFA and push and scream with the SES. Be entertained by buskers all day and vote for your winning busker. Buy paintings from the local State School by silent auction and marvel at the 1 minute videos, entitled “why I love Tatura”, produced by locals young and old.

Don’t know what a zorb ball is? Look at the photo and come along and try your hand at rolling them from inside – I can ensure you that they are great fun.

Plenty of meals, wine, beer, cider, and soft drinks available all day. The wine is from a local winery and you can buy a glass or a bottle. Meals will display the cultural foods of some of the ethnic communities of the region. Thirty stalls offering a wide range of goods – even the Lions BBQ with some special offerings.

Entry is free.

The busker competition is sponsored by the Tatura Hotel. The whole event is being sponsored by the City of Greater Shepparton, Tatura Milk, and Shepparton News, each with gold sponsorship. Tatura Milk is a business of Bega Cheese – the company that have just bought vegemite.

We would be delighted to have you come and help us to promote Lions, or come and help us with a range of tasks through the day.

Come to TatFest – you will have a ball.

Follow us on our Facebook page below to see the great publicity that we are getting, email us on info@tatfest.com.au, or contact Malcolm Campbell 0429 683 775.

Food Hampers for Christmas

We are asking for non-perishable goods to be collected by all of our Lions clubs in our district. From everything collected we will organise Christmas Food Hampers for families in need. So that families can have a great meal together.

Maybe you could contact business stores and places in your area. Perhaps each club member could just collect something from home and put it together from the club.

Sandringham Lions Celebrates 50 Years!

Wow, what a night we had celebrating our 50th Charter Anniversary recently. A crowd of over 100 people including 3 young families enjoyed good food, wine, fellowship and great memories together with new plans for the future; it was so great to bring our community into our club.

Celebrating the Past and Building for the Future, our theme for this, our 50th year, and I believe we truly did both those last night. Congratulations again to our Charter and current member Bill Adams OAM; 50 years of service to Lions and the community, a fantastic achievement. A few of our club achievements are 123,000 Christmas Cakes sold, 75,000 snags cooked, disbursed more than $2.5million and touched the lives of close to 120,000 people.

In the photo above, DG Brian Buchanan and International Director Tony Benbow celebrate Bill Adams OAM 50 years and the Clubs 50 Years.

CAMP RECHARGE FUNDRAISER TRIVIA NIGHT - Saturday 22nd October 2016

The Lions Clubs of Park Orchards, Forest Hill, Box Hill, South Vermont
and Vermont invite you to a Trivial Pursuit Fundraiser in support of the
inaugural Interchange Inner East and Outer East Special Needs Family

Food Hampers for Father’s Day

We are asking for non-perishable goods to be collected by all of our Lions clubs in our district. From everything collected we will organise Father's Day hampers on September 4th, 2016, special for families in need. So that families can have a great meal together.

Maybe you could contact business stores and places in your area. Perhaps each club member could just collect something from home and put it together from the club.

Australian Lions Foundation – Bushfire Appeal

The Australian Lions Foundation is supporting local Lions Clubs in bushfire affected communities in their relief efforts.

Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria have all had significant fires impacting many communities…. The most recent in Western Australia where the whole township of Yarloop was devastated with the loss of town buildings, 120 homes and properties and the loss of two lives. Lions on the ground have been assisting in all areas but more help is needed now to support those impacted to resettle and get their lives going again.

To date, with the assistance of Clubs, the Australian Lions Foundation has provided grants totalling $600,000 to all areas impacted but with the recent Yarloop fires more support will be required. Donations received from Clubs to support this ongoing appeal have raised $333,000.

As Clubs will be starting back after the Christmas and New Year break, we ask that you consider some support for those impacted by these disasters. Funds will be needed more and more to help those who are now recovering from the devastation of the fires and it is always Lions that are there on the front line to help those communities in need.

Clubs wishing to support this appeal can forward cheques through the Cabinet Treasurer in the normal way.

Victorian Government Power Outages campaign

The Victorian State Government is seeking to ensure all Victorians are aware of the possibility of power outages during summer weather conditions and what they can do to prepare.

As a result of the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, increased safety measures have been introduced through the Government's Powerline Bushfire Safety Program requiring electricity businesses to modify their powerline safety settings on Total Fire Ban and Code Red days to reduce the risk of bushfires.

This may result in more power failures and a delay in restoring power if a fault occurs. In response, we promote 'Your Guide to Power Outages'. Please take a couple of minutes to read the guide, it only takes a few simple things to be prepared for a power outage.

Club Development Training- for Metro Lions - 8th May, 2016 - East Doncaster Secondary College

Our Centenary Program - Your club's chance to get on board!

Dear Lions,

Have you heard about Lions Australia’s 100 years, 100 stories of service program to celebrate our LCI centenary? Or perhaps you’ve heard about it but don’t quite understand how it works?

In a nutshell the campaign centres on 100 Lions clubs each providing $1000 in Grants (through their activities fund), which will provide ‘seed funding’ for 100 projects in the club’s local community.

Community groups will be invited to bid for each Club’s grant, with the club selecting their top three. Our media partner will then select the final winner and report on these ‘100 stories of service’ using their vast print and digital media resources.

We’re sure you’ll agree that this is certainly a one in one hundred years opportunity to celebrate and shine a light on your club’s work, while identifying and supporting worthwhile community projects.

Like to know more? Lions Executive Officer Rob Oerlemans has recorded a short presentation which explains the campaign in more detail..... https://youtu.be/78sZNLin_Ek

You may also like to visit our website link below.

Ready to get on-board? All your club need initially do is agree to provide grant funding for a project in your local community, and notify your DG Ann Eldridge before 30 November 2015.

Still have questions? Contact your DG in the first instance or email pr@lions.org.au

Judging of District Finalists in the Lions International Peace Poster Contest.

The Lions International Peace Poster Contest 2015-2016 is well underway in our District. Judging of District finalists has been planned for Saturday 21st November 2015. Please find attached invitation - hope you will be able to join us on this occasion.

Lions Centennial Celebration Update

Fellow Lions,

The Centennial Celebration is bringing Lions around the world together to celebrate our 100th anniversary. Here are three great ways that you and your club can join the celebration this year and throughout the Centennial Celebration:

* Lead through Service by hosting at least one Centennial Service Challenge project in each of our service areas of youth, vision, hunger and the environment. Be sure to report your Centennial projects on MyLCI to earn a banner patch for each year that your club participates.

* Invite for Impact by setting a club goal of inviting at least 3 new members to join your club. You and your club can earn limited-edition awards in the Centennial Celebration Membership Awards for inviting new members and helping to sponsor a new club.

* Connect with Community by planning a Centennial Community Legacy Project. Celebrate 100 years of Lions by identifying a special project that will make a lasting impact in your community. Look forward to receiving more information about developing your own Legacy Project.

Download the Centennial Celebration Flyer and share it with your club today!

Fabulous Fords Car Show - Supporting ALVIF - 22nd November

This fantastic car show will be held at the Whittlesea Showgrounds (Melways 246/H7) on Sunday the 22nd November 2015.

Public entry from 10am – Adults $10, kids under 12 free
Live music, food and refreshments and trade vendors on site.

The purpose of the show is to raise finances for the Australian Lions Visual
Independence Foundation (ALVIF). This is an Australian not for profit charity whose aim it is to: “bring happiness to the blind and low visioned Australians through the use of assistive or adaptive technology”

Food Hampers for Father’s Day

Let’s make Father’s day – Sunday the 6th of September, special for families in need.

We are asking for non-perishable goods to be collected by all of our Lions Clubs in our District. From everything collected we will have a working bee to put the hampers together and in partnership with one of our expert community groups in the Dandenong area we will organise distribution.

Maybe you could contact business stores and places in your area. Perhaps each Club member could just collect something from home and put it together from the Club.

Heathmont Lions celebrate 44 years

HEATHMONT Lions Club Immediate Past President; Geoff Secker thanked the community of Heathmont for its continued support for its work to provide local, national and international humanitarian efforts.

Geoff was acknowledging the ongoing work of the Lions Club as part of their 44 year’s history. Heathmont Lions have been serving the local community since 1971 and during that period the members have contributed to the growth and betterment of the local Heathmont community as well as contributed to wider National and International causes.

Incoming President; Leanne Jarchow also commended the community for its recent support of the Club to provide much needed cash to assist the Nepal Earthquake victims. Leanne said that the proceeds from the gate at the Club’s Farmers Market at Great Ryrie Primary School earlier in May was a great example of the community working with Lions to make a difference at an International level. With donations received the Club was able to contribute to the great work undertaken by Lions Clubs International and local Lions on the ground in Nepal.

Lions Centennial Service Challenge

For nearly 100 years, Lions have changed lives in their communities and around the world. In celebration of our Centennial in 2017, Lions everywhere are being challenged to serve 100 million people. You’re invited to join the celebration by helping us reach our goal.

Your club can earn special Centennial recognition by hosting a service project that benefits:

- Youth
- Vision
- Hunger
- Environment.

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this historic event—start planning your next Centennial Service Challenge event today!

YOTY District Final

AT the V5 District Final of Youth of the Year Quest we saw Bronwyn Kealy win our District Final and go onto the State Final which was held at Ballarat on Saturday, 11th April, 2015. Bronwyn went on to win the Public Speaking segment of the State Final.

Bronwyn is 17 years old and attends Eltham College, she was sponsored by the Lions Club of Warrandyte.

Youth of the Year is a great opportunity for your Club to associate itself with local secondary schools and meet with their students.

Start of a new Leo Club

CONGRATULATIONS to the Lions Club of Wheelers Hill for beginning the new Leo Club of Wheelers Hill.

Our Second Vice District Governor Brian Buchanan did an excellent job in inducting these young people into the Leo’s program.

Slit-lamp Upgrade for the Australian College of Optometry

Some months ago the Emergency Department of the Austin Hospital in Heidelberg donated a very expensive piece of equipment (a slit-lamp used in intense eye examination) to Lions for an upgrade and reinstatement to a worthy recipient.

The Vermont Lions Club through Lion Damien Ziebell took up the challenge and financed the $2,500 upgrade to LED lamps.

On Monday evening the 22nd September Dr Jamie Hendrie of the Austin handed the completed slit-lamp over to Ms Genevieve Napper of the Australian College of Optometry who provides low cost eye-care services to eligible Victorians through clinics in the Melbourne metropolitan area and in particular Aboriginal Services in rural Victoria run by a network of private optometrists.

Congratulations to the Vermont Club and Lion Damien for completing the project.

Pictured is Genevieve Nappere, Damien Ziebell and Dr Jamie Hendrie.

New LCIF Video Released

See how your support of LCIF delivers on the needs of people around the globe.

One of the most important ways that Lions make a difference in their communities and the world is through Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), the official charitable organisation of Lions Clubs International.

With funding from LCIF, Lions carry out large-scale humanitarian projects in their community. Every dollar donated to the Foundation goes directly toward a grant, as administrative costs are paid by interest on investments. Lions’ support of the
Foundation is critical, as donations from Lions provide the majority of LCIF’s revenue.

Since LCIF began in 1968, it has awarded more than 10,268 grants totaling more than US$729 million. Together, Lions and LCIF are making a difference for millions of people. “We Serve” better together.

Licola Open Day on November 1st.

At this stage we intend to run a bus trip to and from Licola, but this will depend on how many Lions and friends would like to come. Costs will depend on the numbers but we would expect it to be $50.00 or less.

Please do not leave it to the last minute to book, as quite a bit of forward planning is necessary to arrange the bus. As a matter some urgency please let Ian Bjorkman know if you are interested ianbjorkman49@hotmail.com

The August issue of the ANZI Forum 2014 Newsletter

Learn the latest news on the ANZI Forum 2014 in Adelaide. Download it by clicking on the following link.

A Final Message from DG Chandra Mangalore

Dear Fellow Lions Family Members:

The year that was – Usha and I have thoroughly enjoyed our year. Looking back now, I wonder how I accomplished so many Lions tasks and became a grandparent as well!

As District Governor I had unparalleled fabulous guidance and assistance from all Cabinet Officers and Lions in the District 201V5. Usha and I thank all of you for making the job a pleasure when it could have been more onerous.

I will be working with Incoming 2014-2015 District Governor Alan Fluck and District Officers to fulfil the tasks which I have failed to accomplish, the formation of a few more new Clubs. I shall try to form a Korean Club with help of Carnegie Lions and GMT Team.

Usha and I thank you all for the wonderful year we had and the part in which you have played – our memories of this wonderful experience will linger for many years to come.

DG Chandra

Seymour Goulburn Lion Carol Smith awarded Citizen of the Year

When Seymour’s Carol Smith heard former president John F. Kennedy speak when she was growing up in the United States, it changed her whole perspective on life.

His famous quote: ‘‘Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country’’ spurred a decision to volunteer her spare time for the community.

Mrs Smith’s dedication has been recognised when she was awarded the Mitchell Shire Citizen of the Year award at the 2014 Australia Day ceremony in Kilmore.

‘‘I’m very honoured for the recognition and I appreciate all the work the Lions do in the community,’’ she said.

Mrs Smith said volunteering gave her a great sense of satisfaction and allowed her to give something back to the community.

DG Chandra's Update - So much done, so much to do – with enthusiasm…

Dear Fellow Lions Family Members, well it is the same every year, we find ourselves busy with the wind-up to Christmas and then we blink and it’s finished! So, with Christmas and NewYear holidays behind us now, I’m hopeful that all our Lion families had wonderfully happy, memory-making celebrations. Usha and I certainly enjoyed company of our family members, especially our two month old granddaughter, Indigo. Although Indigo’s participation wasn’t very much this year, we are looking forward to her eating the wrapping next year and getting to know Father Christmas!

We note that many Lions worked hard selling our Christmas cakes/puddings and distributing Christmas hampers to the needy, again bringing Christmas cheer to them.My best wishes to all to have a happy, healthy and prosperous 2014. In Chinese astrology it will be the Year of the Horse – people born in the Year of the Horse know how to work hard and party hard – this is a good omen for us all.

I must thank all Cabinet Officers for their contribution to the District and Lions in general, however, in particular I thank Lorna for her contribution as Treasurer for the first six months of this Lion year. However, Lorna has recognised that she doesn’t have enough time to devote to the tasks involved, so reluctantly I have accepted her resignation. It is to my great delight Lin Byron agreed to be Cabinet Treasurer for the rest of this year ending 30th June 2013.

We had a fantastic Convention at Marysville. I cannot thank enough the Convention Organising Committee who has worked very hard to put on a grand show. International visitors appreciated the fellowship and hospitality shown by us and were very impressed with our various projects. I must thank PDG Phil and Lorna who accompanied the visitors and looked after them.

Our Peace Poster Chairman, Rod Moss as usual did a good job. I thank him for his dedication and hard work.

All of my Club visits have been very enjoyable – I now only have 14 Clubs remaining (to be visited). Usha and I are delighted to meet somany wonderful Lions who are friendly, hard-working and do a tremendous amount of community service. The public is not aware of the scope of services we do and it is worrying matter how to rectify this situation. I am open to any suggestions.

Licola Update

It's been a busy and productive year at Licola, and I’d like to thank each and every one of you who have been involved in any way in this great Lions project. Your “time, labour and means” has been very much in the spirit of Lionism, and has been very much appreciated. We hope that 2014 is a great new year for us all.

To our staff at Licola, thank you for your dedication to Licola’s ideals, we could not achieve what we do without you. The condition of the camp is the best it’s ever been, and the quality and professionalism of programs is well known and reflected in the continued repeat bookings from year to year.

The completion of Houses 15 and 16 is imminent, and it will prove to be well worth the considerable time and effort that a number of people have put in over a long period of time. It will be a brilliant resource for our special needs campers for many years to come.

Peace Poster Competition Winners Announced!

The District Winner this year was Max Freeman, Age 13 years from Brighton Grammar. Max was sponsored by the Lions Club of Sandringham and presented with the District Plaque at the final end-of-the-year school assembly on Wednesday 11th December.

The National Winner this year was Sophie age 12, sponsored by the Lions club of Casterton, District 201V2. The Highly Recommended poster was by Samantha age 13, sponsored by the Lions club of Booragoon, District 201W2.

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Community Service

Service with Smiles 2018 - 2019 roundup

“We serve “ is the official motto of Lions , but Blackburn North Lions have added to the motto, we say “We Serve and we have fun doing it”. Our service in 2018 - 2019 started local, but included the state, the nation and the world.

Here are some examples of our local service

We provided walking aid for a disabled local child.

We raised over $3500 for Eastern Emergency for locals in need

We provided food directly through a Lions project

Our service extended to the state and the nation

We helped those affected by the fires in the Ottways

We provided funds to Dairy farmers doing it hard

We also served the wider world

Through Lions International we contributed to disaster relief and medical needs in many countries

With our twin club Pandino we helped fund a breakfast program for needy schoolchildren.